Sample Libraries

Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs: VSL Woodwind Ensembles 6* • VSL Epic Horns 6* • Loopmasters Percussionism 6* • PMI Baroque Organ 5*

Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs: Tekniks Xtreme House 2 ***** • PMI The Emperor ***** • Tekniks Ghetto Grooves 2 **** • PMI The Old Lady *****

Gary Garritan takes on the orchestral behemoths with a small but perfectly formed library packed with extra features.

Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs:Luscious Grooves 5* MULTI-FORMAT; Electro Magnetic Pulse 4* AUDIO+WAV+REX; SAM Solo Sessions 4* MULTI-FORMAT; Saophones 1 5* GIGASTUDIO/EXS24 MKII.

Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs: PCP-80 Electric Grand 5* •  Solo Strings 5* • Tool Shed Percussion 5* • Woodwind Collection Expanded Edition 4*

Reviews/appraisals of the latest sample CDs: The Legend Of China 4* • Freaky Jazzy Funky 2 4* • Glass & Stones 5* • Opus 1 5*

These days, if your sample library is going to be a success, it seems you've got to release it with a virtual-instrument front-end. Analogue synth fanatic and long-standing sample-library producer Ian Boddy does not disappoint with his latest creation...

Appraisals of the latest sample CDs: Alma Flamenco • A Funky Future • Vienna Overdrive • Cuckooland Completely Bonkers.

Multi-gigabyte sample libraries offer unprecedented realism and lots of potential for confusion. Redmatica's neat OS X utility allows Emagic EXS24 users to tame their unruly sample collections.

It's another multi-DVD orchestral library! Does it merit a thunderous introductory timp roll or a feeble tap on a vibraslap? Find out...

We review: Cimbalom **** • Jazz/World *** • Neo Soul **** • Vienna Concert Guitar *****

This month: Amazing Thailand **** • LA Riot V ***** • WEP ***** • White Grand ****.

Retailing at a paltry nine GBP per Gigabyte, this huge orchestral brass library from the USA appears to offer a big-screen experience at a Blockbusters price. Is there a catch?

This month's reviews: Atsiã ***** • Blister Pak ***** • Dub Basis **** • Evolution ****.

We review Project SAM Trumpets ***** • PLP Essential Dance Collection **** • Samplecraze Drumm ****.

The eagerly awaited upgrade from the VSL team breaks all records for size, depth and scope. Is it the be-all and end-all of orchestral sound libraries?

We check out: Amps & Pickups 2 **** • Post-Estonia Grand Piano **** • Brush Artistry **** • Distoteque **** • Tower Of Funk *** • Post Orchestral Instruments ***

Auditioned this month: Xtreme House **** • World Winds **** • Scott Rockenfield Queensryche Drums ****